History of Boston in Timeline

Boston is the capital and largest city of Massachusetts, serving as the cultural and financial hub of New England. With an area of 48.4 sq mi, its 2020 population was 675,647, ranking it the third-largest city in the Northeastern United States. The Greater Boston metropolitan area, with 4.9 million residents as of 2023, is the largest in New England and the eleventh-largest in the United States.

1901: Boston Red Sox Founding Member of American League

In 1901, the Boston Red Sox became a founding member of the American League of Major League Baseball.

1903: First Modern World Series in Boston

In 1903, Boston hosted the first game of the first modern World Series between the Boston Americans and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1906: Construction of the Longfellow Bridge in 1906

The Longfellow Bridge, which was mentioned by Robert McCloskey in "Make Way for Ducklings", describing its "salt and pepper shakers" feature, was built in 1906.

Make Way for Ducklings

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July 4, 1911: Record High Temperature on July 4, 1911

On July 4, 1911, Boston recorded its official record high temperature of 104 °F (40 °C).

1911: Team Name Change

Until 1911, Boston's first professional baseball team was named Beaneaters.

1912: Opening of Fenway Park in 1912

Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox, opened in 1912.

1912: Construction of Fenway Park

In 1912, Fenway Park was built, becoming the oldest sports arena or stadium in active use in the United States among the four major professional American sports leagues.

1912: Annexation of Hyde Park in 1912

In 1912, the city of Boston annexed Hyde Park.

1916: MIT Moves to Cambridge

In 1916, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) moved across the Charles River to Cambridge from Boston.

December 30, 1917: Record Cold Daily Maximum on December 30, 1917

On December 30, 1917, the record cold daily maximum temperature in Boston was 2 °F (−17 °C).

September 8, 1923: Opening of Logan International Airport on September 8, 1923

Logan International Airport opened on September 8, 1923.

1928: Opening of the Boston Garden in 1928

The Boston Garden opened in 1928.

January 1930: John C. Hull Appointed Securities Director in January 1930

In January 1930, Frank G. Allen, the Governor of Massachusetts, appointed John C. Hull as the first Securities Director of Massachusetts, highlighting Boston's prominent role in the development of securities laws.

May 4, 1932: Hull introduced bill for revision and simplification of law relative to the sale of securities on May 4, 1932

On May 4, 1932, John C. Hull introduced a bill to the committee on Banks and Banking in the Massachusetts House of Representatives for revision and simplification of the law relative to the sale of securities (Chapter 110A).

1933: Drafting of Securities Act of 1933

In 1933, Harvard professors Felix Frankfurter, Benjamin V. Cohen, and James M. Landis drafted the Securities Act.

February 9, 1934: Record Low Temperature on February 9, 1934

On February 9, 1934, Boston recorded its official record low temperature of −18 °F (−28 °C).

November 15, 1934: Joseph P. Kennedy Sr.'s Speech on November 15, 1934

On November 15, 1934, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., the 1st Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, gave a speech before the Boston Chamber of Commerce, warning about the deception related to securities sales.

1952: Braves Move to Milwaukee

After the 1952 season, the Boston Braves moved to Milwaukee.

1953: Construction of Columbia Point Public Housing Complex in 1953

In 1953, the massive Columbia Point public housing complex was built, adjacent to what would become the Columbia Point Health Center.

1957: Last Sub-Zero Reading Before 2023 in 1957

Before February 4, 2023, the previous sub-zero temperature reading in Boston occurred in 1957.

1957: Establishment of the Boston Redevelopment Authority in 1957

In 1957, the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) was established to direct urban renewal projects in response to Boston's economic decline.

1958: BRA Initiates West End Improvement Project in 1958

In 1958, the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) initiated a project to improve the historic West End neighborhood, leading to extensive demolition and public opposition.

1960: Boston Patriots Founded

In 1960, the New England Patriots were founded as the Boston Patriots before changing their name and relocating to Foxborough in 1971.

1965: Opening of the Columbia Point Health Center in 1965

In 1965, the Columbia Point Health Center opened in the Dorchester neighborhood. It was the first Community Health Center in the United States.

1966: Braves Move to Atlanta

Since 1966, the Boston Braves have played in Atlanta as the Atlanta Braves.

1971: Patriots Relocate

In 1971, the Boston Patriots relocated to suburban Foxborough and changed their name to the New England Patriots.

1974: Conflict over desegregation busing starting in 1974

Starting in 1974, the city of Boston experienced conflict over desegregation busing, leading to unrest and violence around public schools throughout the mid-1970s.

August 2, 1975: Record Warm Daily Minimum on August 2, 1975

On August 2, 1975, Boston recorded a record warm daily minimum temperature of 83 °F (28 °C).

1984: Redevelopment of Columbia Point Complex starting in 1984

From 1984 to 1990, the Columbia Point complex was redeveloped into a mixed-income residential development called Harbor Point Apartments.

1990: High Murder Rate in Boston

In 1990, Boston had 152 murders, resulting in a murder rate of 26.5 per 100,000 people.

1990: Rededication of Geiger-Gibson Community Health Center in 1990

In 1990, the Columbia Point Health Center was rededicated as the Geiger-Gibson Community Health Center.

1991: The Improper Bostonian Published

From 1991, The Improper Bostonian, a glossy lifestyle magazine, was published.

1991: Start of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project in 1991

In 1991, the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, known as the "Big Dig", began.

1993: Acquisition of The Boston Globe by The New York Times in 1993

In 1993, The Boston Globe was acquired by The New York Times.

1999: Significant Drop in Murders

In 1999, Boston experienced a significant drop in murders to just 31, resulting in a murder rate of 5.26 per 100,000 people.

2000: Boston Becomes Majority-Minority

In 2000, non-Hispanic Whites made up 49.5% of Boston's population, marking the first time the city became majority-minority.

2001: Patriots Win Championship

In 2001, the New England Patriots won a championship.

2001: Super Bowl Win

In 2001, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.

2003: Patriots Win Championship

In 2003, the New England Patriots won a championship.

2003: Super Bowl Win

In 2003, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.

2004: Acquisition of FleetBoston Financial in 2004

In 2004, FleetBoston Financial, a local financial institution, was acquired by Charlotte-based Bank of America.

2004: Red Sox and Patriots Win Championships

In 2004, both the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots won championships.

2004: Super Bowl Win

In 2004, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.

2006: The Rainbow Times Founded

In 2006, The Rainbow Times, a minority and lesbian-owned LGBT news magazine, was founded. It is now based out of Boston and serves all of New England.

2006: Return to White Majority (Estimated)

In 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that non-Hispanic Whites had again formed a slight majority in Boston due to gentrification.

2007: First Climate Action Plan Commissioned in 2007

In 2007, Boston commissioned its first climate action plan covering carbon reduction in buildings, transportation, and energy use.

2007: Red Sox Win Championship

In 2007, the Boston Red Sox won a championship.

2007: Completion of the Big Dig in 2007

In 2007, the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, known as the Big Dig, was completed after many delays and cost overruns.

2007: Completion of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project in 2007

The Central Artery/Tunnel Project (Big Dig) was completed in 2007, removing the elevated Central Artery and incorporating new green spaces and open areas.

2008: American Community Survey Data Collection

Data from the American Community Survey's five-year estimates began being collected in 2008.

2008: Celtics Win Championship

In 2008, the Boston Celtics won a championship.

2009: Christian Science Monitor Ends Daily Print Publication

In 2009, the Christian Science Monitor, headquartered in Boston, ceased daily print publication, transitioning to continuous online and weekly magazine formats.

2010: Religious Denominations in Greater Boston

As of 2010, the Catholic Church was the largest single denomination in the Greater Boston area, followed by the Episcopal Church and the United Church of Christ.

2010: Non-White Population Rebounds

As of 2010, the non-White population in Boston rebounded, partly due to the housing crash and increased affordable housing efforts, with non-Hispanic Whites comprising 47% of the population.

2010: Population Change since 2010

The 2020 census estimated Boston to have 691,531 residents living in 266,724 households, marking a 12% population increase over 2010.

July 2011: Bluebikes Launched

In late July 2011, the bikeshare program Bluebikes, originally called Hubway, was launched. PBSC Urban Solutions provides bicycles and technology for this bike-sharing system.

2011: Winter of 2011-12 Low Snowfall

During the winter of 2011–12, Boston saw only 9.3 inches (23.6 cm) of accumulating snow.

2011: Tourism in Boston

In 2011, Boston's tourism sector saw 21.2 million domestic and international visitors, contributing $8.3 billion to the economy.

2011: Update to Climate Action Plan Released in 2011

In 2011, an update to the city's climate action plan was released.

2011: Bruins Win Championship

In 2011, the Boston Bruins won a championship.

2012: American Community Survey Data

According to the 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, data collection began in 2012 for ancestry groups in Boston.

2012: Elizabeth Warren Elected to U.S. Senate

In 2012, Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, was first elected as the state's senior member of the United States Senate.

April 15, 2013: Boston Marathon Bombing on April 15, 2013

On April 15, 2013, two Chechen Islamist brothers detonated bombs near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring roughly 264. The event led to a lockdown of Boston and surrounding municipalities, with the region unified by the slogan "Boston Strong".

2013: Boston Households Philanthropy Rate in 2013

As of 2013, Boston households provide the highest average rate of philanthropy in the nation, and the city's businesses and institutions rank among the top in the nation for environmental sustainability and new investment.

2013: NIH Grants Received by Boston Research Institutions

Hospitals, universities, and research institutions in Greater Boston received more than $1.77 billion in National Institutes of Health grants in 2013.

2013: Ed Markey Elected to U.S. Senate

In 2013, Ed Markey, a Democrat, was elected to the United States Senate to succeed John Kerry.

2013: Introduction of Renew Boston Whole Building Incentive in 2013

In 2013, Mayor Thomas Menino introduced the Renew Boston Whole Building Incentive to reduce the cost of living in energy-efficient buildings.

2013: Resale of The Boston Globe in 2013

In 2013, The New York Times resold The Boston Globe to Boston businessman John W. Henry.

2013: Chinese American Population in Boston

In 2013, over 27,000 Chinese Americans resided in Boston city proper.

2013: Red Sox Win Championship

In 2013, the Boston Red Sox won a championship.

2014: Religious Affiliation in Boston

According to a 2014 study by the Pew Research Center, 57% of Boston's population identified as Christians, 33% claimed no religious affiliation, and 10% adhered to other faiths.

2014: Update to Climate Action Plan Released in 2014

In 2014, an update to the city's climate action plan was released.

2014: International Tourists in Boston

In 2014, over 1.4 million international tourists visited Boston, with the highest numbers coming from China and the United Kingdom.

2014: Patriots Win Championship

In 2014, the New England Patriots won a championship.

2014: Super Bowl Win

In 2014, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.

2015: Jewish Population in the Boston Metro Area

As of 2015, the Boston metro area had a Jewish population of approximately 248,000.

2016: American Community Survey Data

According to the 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, data collection concluded in 2016 for ancestry groups in Boston.

2016: Boston Households Without a Car

In 2016, 33.8 percent of Boston households lacked a car, compared to the national average of 8.7 percent. The city averaged 0.94 cars per household in 2016, compared to a national average of 1.8.

2016: Boston's Bid for 2024 Summer Olympics in 2016

In 2016, Boston briefly shouldered a bid as the U.S. applicant for the 2024 Summer Olympics but eventually dropped the bid due to public opposition.

2016: General Electric's Move to Boston in 2016

In 2016, General Electric announced it would be moving its corporate headquarters from Connecticut to the Seaport District in Boston.

2016: Patriots Win Championship

In 2016, the New England Patriots won a championship.

2016: Super Bowl Win

In 2016, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.

2017: Boston Uprising Established

In 2017, the Overwatch League's Boston Uprising was established, becoming the first team to complete a perfect stage with zero losses.

2018: Growth of Dominican Population in Greater Boston

According to 2018 estimates, the Dominican population in Greater Boston grew significantly to 150,000, alongside other Hispanic/Latino groups such as Puerto Ricans, Salvadorans, Guatemalans, Mexicans, and Colombians.

2018: Red Sox and Patriots Win Championships

In 2018, both the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots won championships.

2018: Super Bowl Win

In 2018, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl.

2018: Boston Ranked in Global Financial Centres Index

In the 2018 Global Financial Centres Index, Boston was ranked as having the 13th-most competitive financial services center in the world and the second-most competitive in the United States.

April 2019: The Improper Bostonian Ended Publication

In April 2019, The Improper Bostonian, a glossy lifestyle magazine, ended its publication.

July 21, 2019: Record Warm Daily Minimum on July 21, 2019

On July 21, 2019, Boston recorded a record warm daily minimum temperature of 83 °F (28 °C).

September 2019: Inauguration of Boston Saves Program

In September 2019, Boston formally inaugurated Boston Saves, a program providing every kindergartener a savings account with $50 for college or career training.

2019: Climate Action Plan Anticipates Sea-Level Rise in 2019

A climate action plan from 2019 anticipates 2 ft (1 m) to more than 7 ft (2 m) of sea-level rise in Boston by the end of the 21st century.

2019: Update to Climate Action Plan Released in 2019

In 2019, an update to the city's climate action plan was released.

2020: Boston Population in 2020

In 2020, the census recorded Boston's population as 675,647, making it the third-largest city in the Northeastern United States after New York City and Philadelphia.

March 2021: Kim Janey Becomes Acting Mayor

In March 2021, Kim Janey became the Acting Mayor of Boston following Marty Walsh's confirmation as Secretary of Labor.

November 2021: Michelle Wu Becomes Mayor

In November 2021, Michelle Wu became the mayor of Boston.

2021: Boston Police Department Budget

Boston allocated $414 million to the Boston Police Department in the fiscal 2021 budget.

July 24, 2022: Last 100 °F (38 °C) Reading on July 24, 2022

The last 100 °F (38 °C) reading in Boston occurred on July 24, 2022.

2022: Crime Statistics in Boston

According to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program in 2022, Boston reported 3,955 violent crimes and 11,514 property crimes.

February 4, 2023: Lowest Temperature Since 1957 on February 4, 2023

On February 4, 2023, the temperature in Boston dipped down to −10 °F (−23 °C), marking the lowest temperature reading in the city since 1957.

2023: Boston as Biotechnology Leader in 2023

As of 2023, Boston emerged as a global leader in higher education and research and is the largest biotechnology hub in the world. With nearly 5,000 startup companies, the city is considered a global pioneer in innovation, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence.

2023: Greater Boston Metropolitan Area Population in 2023

In 2023, the Greater Boston metropolitan statistical area had a population of 4.9 million, making it the largest metropolitan area in New England and the eleventh-largest in the United States.

2024: Boston Sports Championships

As of 2024, Boston has won 40 championships in the four major North American men's professional sports leagues plus Major League Soccer.

2024: Walk Score Ranking

As of 2024, Walk Score ranks Boston as the third most walkable U.S. city, with a Walk Score of 83, a Transit Score of 72, and a Bike Score of 69.

2024: Reference to the 2024 Summer Olympics

In 2016, Boston briefly shouldered a bid as the U.S. applicant for the 2024 Summer Olympics but eventually dropped the bid due to public opposition.

2024: PWHL Playoffs

In 2024, during the inaugural PWHL playoffs, the Boston Fleet (then known as PWHL Boston) reached the Walter Cup finals, losing to the Minnesota Frost (PWHL Minnesota).